More than on Network

[jegan]

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Is there any benefit in being with more than on network? currently my company are with AW and we are thinking joining more networks. However I have a feeling that it might actually not bring in a large number of additional revenue.

Is there anyone who is with more than on network that can shed some light on this for me.

[Hero]

I was having this discussion yesterday with a merchant friend of mine; I'll give you the answer I gave him:

Multiple networks… you give the affiliates the option to choose who to join you through. All affiliates have their preferences, obviously you can’t accommodate for all, but giving them a second option is nice. Plus, you get to work with more than one and see which one you prefer as well.

Downside: you could get duplicate transactions, where one order can be reported through both networks, if the customer has clicked on many affiliates. This is where the merchant needs to have their monitoring and tracking in place. What we recommend is local tracking, where you get to define which network, rather than affiliate, gets the sale. We can help you set this up as well.

It all comes down to resources, if you have the people to monitor and manage the account, then it’s a no brainer really

Have a read through these as well: http://www.a4uforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=35284&highlight=multiple+networks

From my personal experience as an affiliate manager, I liked working with more than one networks as you get more exposure and more sales. Personally I don't believe in the moto "if you have a good program the affiliates will find you", I think it's a combination of good program, good network and good affiliate manager that attracts the affiliates. But, you do need to have a solution in place from your end to stop duplicate sales, otherwise it's not worth it.

Hope this helps

[jegan]

Thanks for the advise muchly appreciated..

[Hero]

One thing I would like to point out though: before setting up an account with another network, give the existing network the chance to perform, allow them at least 6-8 months to see what they can do for you.

Also, since Murray mentioned it, it would be useful to contact some of the affiliates not currently working with you to find out the reasons why. If it's that they don't work with the particular network, why is that? Anything you can do about it? If it's a logistics thing for the affiliate (working with too many networks), surely this can easily be overcome if your programme is worth the while? If they are not getting enough support from the network, you can talk to your account manager and see what options you have.

The bottom line, yes, multiple networks are definitely an option, but not a decision that can be made lightly by the merchants, there are a lot of things to consider

[Demorphic]

Law of diminishing returns here.

If you can de-dup the sales locally, centrally host your ad material, use templated newsletter updates etc there is no reason why you cannot use several networks effectively.

Personally, 2-3 is ideal. More than that (due to differing technologies, systems etc) it becomes tough to remain effective. Also, cross-over becomes an issue.

Of course, it is better to have 1 superbly performing, abundant program, than 6 scrawny, underfed programs. However, using only one network can often allow for network complacency and less incentive to really drive things.

[Azam.net]

Yes, 2-3 networks is probably ideal for the reasons outlined above. Gives affiliates a choice as not every affiliate belongs to or wants to work with every network.